USA - Avid has announced Pro Tools Sketch, a new non-linear, clip-based creation tool in Pro Tools software that is also available as a free iPad app. Pro Tools Sketch enables musicians to quickly capture new ideas and freely experiment with concepts and songs and find inspiration with a massive library of free loops, virtual instruments and effects. With Pro Tools Sketch, Avid addresses the growing needs of modern creators, no matter their preferred music creation style. While the Pro Tools Sketch iPad app is available for free to anyone via the Apple App Store, the Pro Tools 2023.9 update is now available to all Pro Tools customers on an active subscription or perpetual license with a current Software Updates + Support Plan, as well as all users of the free Pro Tools Intro application. “Every music creator wants to capture inspiration when it arises and act on it
UK - Since its opening in 1929, Rhodes House has been an Oxford landmark, a historic Grade II listed country house in the heart of the city. Known for high profile events and visitors, the need for modernisation was recognised and the venue embarked on a comprehensive £38m refurbishment journey, which culminated in creating a technologically advanced modern conference and convening centre, that fosters connectivity and collaboration. Darren Gatenby, senior consultant at Hewshott Consultancy, has been lead technology consultant on the project since its inception five years ago. The goal was to establish the premier events and conferencing venue in Oxford, catering to educational events, weddings, and corporate functions. Darren closely collaborated with the client and stakeholders to meticulously craft a design that fulfilled all requirements. Incorporating a number of
Australia - Once a bustling facility that produced lashings of dairy in the early 1900s, Kingston Butter Factory has endured as a historical fixture of Queensland’s City of Logan. Now a thriving cultural precinct, the old factory’s red brick building and ample grounds have been renovated and repurposed to become the creative centre of Logan’s community. Recently outfitted with a high-performance Nexo Geo M12 line array system, the reimagined venue has advanced far from its humble bread-and-butter beginnings. Nestled between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the arts and entertainment hub is home to many community festivals, markets, concerts, and installations. Central to hosting events and live performances is Kingston Butter Factory’s versatile outdoor space, boasting an expansive stage looking out over a fan-shaped audience area of over 5,200 m². The new
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has appointed Audrey Ensor as marketing and communications manager. “EAW is currently reintroducing itself to the pro audio world and sharing our brand story is a key component to this initiative; Audrey’s guidance will be indispensable for reaching this goal,” says T.J. Smith, president of EAW. “We are excited to work alongside her as she helps us take advantage of new opportunities to tell our story, both within the organization as well as to our key partners, dealers and customers.” Since graduating from Framingham State University with a degree in Communication Arts, Ensor has immersed herself in the world of digital media. She spent three years with local television station, Medfield TV, holding roles as production coordinator, chief editor and executive director.
UK - As 90s reunions go, there’s few as pronounced as Pulp’s reimagined take on their classic, coming of age anthems. Yorkshire-twanged frontman, Jarvis Cocker, and fellow indie stars - keyboardist Candida Doyle, drummer Nick Banks and guitarist Mark Webber - are leading audiences on an engaging and cleverly arranged orchestral audio journey set to a backdrop of cinematic-esque visuals. For their summer reunion shows across the UK and Ireland, Pulp took a Skan-supplied control package for performances at Latitude Festival, London’s Finsbury Park, Isle of Wight Festival, Dublin’s St Anne's Park plus many more, while Sheffield’s Utilita Arena hosted the band for two nights with a Skan d&b PA rig in tow. “I quickly recognised the need for attention to detail, quality equipment and a great crew, so Skan were my first and only choice for this tour,” produc
Italy - On a mission to strengthen its position as a provider of broadcast solutions, K-array is promoting its latest innovations in broadcast audio. Following a series of high-profile broadcast projects, the brand is promoting its range of versatile and discreet audio products, designed to meet the demands of live television and radio. “It is important to employ high-end audio solutions that perform at a high level for live broadcast environments,” explains Andrea Torelli, global marketing & communications director at K-array. “With invisible line arrays that can be used to create a slim PA system, monitors cleverly hidden in plain sight at centre stage or flexible, metres-long line array systems that can stretch across the length of the stage, K-array has a range of clever solutions suited to these environments.” Among K-array’s broadcast offerings, the
Italy - Biamp is further strengthening its presence in the Italian market. The company has appointed Intermark Sistemi as its official authorised distributor. In addition to this, Biamp will provide dedicated local support to the Italian market by partnering with Footprint as an extension of its direct sales organisation. Stephen Patterson, director of sales for Europe and Africa at Biamp, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic move: "We are thrilled to welcome Intermark Sistemi to our official distribution network. Their expertise and strong market presence make them the perfect partner to advance our mission of delivering extraordinary audiovisual experiences across conference room, control, and UCC applications. “Collaborating with Intermark, and with local support from Footprint, we are committed to tailoring our solutions to meet the unique needs of enterpri
Spain - Sound Architecture has been appointed Holoplot distributor for Iberia. Emerging from the demand for increasingly creative and complex projects, and the developments in sound, lighting, video, and control systems, Sound Architecture was established in collaboration with Ilusovi Servicios, one of the leading AV specialist companies in the Iberian market. Building on the company’s years of experience in the AV industry, Sound Architecture is ready to apply its expertise to the integration sector, with the latest in audio technology as their flagship product solution. In addition to standard services and products, Ilusovi offers customised AV system design and development. This ethos is underlined by the decision to make a significant investment in the Holoplot X1 Matrix Array technology and simultaneously create a new company, Sound Architecture, which has been appoin
USA - Aura the Robot will permanently reside in the grand atrium of Sphere in Las Vegas. Serving as the venue’s ‘spokesbot’, Aura will interact with guests at the venue, and serve as an integral part of The Sphere Experience featuring Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth. “Hello, humans. While I understand the most complex concepts of math and science - you remain a mystery,” said Aura. “Your emotions, your humour and your relationship with technology require further study, so you must visit me at Sphere. I am excited to meet you and introduce you to the future of live entertainment at my new home.” Developed using advanced technology in robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence, Aura is among the most expressive and life-like humanoid robots in the world. Five Aura robots will greet guests from the moment they enter Sphere, putting
UK - Shure commissioned global market research firm, IDC, to conduct a comprehensive study that investigates the hurdles organisations are facing as they implement hybrid working. The paper, based on over 600 interviews across multiple countries, including the UK, emphasises the IT community's concerns about the audio quality impacting effective communication and collaboration. "From an IT perspective, implementing a successful hybrid work strategy isn’t just about software; it's about making sure your hardware - especially audio equipment -meets the standards your employees need to excel," says Rob Smith, senior director, system sales, Shure. "Our research finds that UK organisations are at the forefront of hybrid work adoption in Europe, yet there's a clear gap when it comes to providing high-quality audio solutions, which affects everything from meeting engagement
UAE - The Adam Hall Group reports a successful LD Systems day in Dubai. Together with the LD Systems sales partner Pro Lab, the global event technology manufacturer staged a one-day partner and customer event at the Pro Lab headquarters on 7 September. The highlight was the first hands-on demonstration of the LD Systems MAILA system in the United Arab Emirates. After an introduction of the Adam Hall Group and its long history in the field of event technology, Viktor Wiesner, senior product manager, pro audio, guided the numerous attendees through the constantly growing LD Systems portfolio, followed by a detailed product demonstration of the MAILA (Modular All-Round Intelligent Line-Array) system by LD Systems field application engineer Jens Kleinhuis. In general, LD Systems and Pro Lab placed a lot of emphasis on the intensive exchange between existing customers and
China - Renowned Hong Kong singer and actor Jacky Cheung kicked off his latest tour on 9 June at The Venetian Macao Cotai Arena in Macau. The Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour not only signifies the 10th solo concert tour of his career but also marks the superstar’s first large-scale event after celebrating his 60th birthday. The current world tour, extending into 2024, has already broken records by selling over 109,000 tickets for the Cotai Arena and hosting 11 shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium - a feat unprecedented among any previous artist in a single leg of a concert tour in Singapore. DiGiCo Quantum5 consoles and a KLANG immersive monitor system for the tour were provided by Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), DiGiCo’s official distributor in China. At the project's outset, the RAC team offered support in system design, setup, and decisions about the mix
Denmark - DPA Microphones has opened a new headquarters in Kokkedal, Denmark, a convenient suburb of Copenhagen. The modernised space will put an emphasis on the brand’s research and development (R&D) facilities, with significant upgrades and new studio spaces that encourage more creativity. “DPA continually aims to inspire sound professionals looking to improve their solutions, and we are confident that the new headquarters will further enable this growth,” says DPA Microphones CEO, Kalle Nielsen. “The facility offers a great environment for close collaboration across the organisation and with outside partners, which is the foundation we need to provide strong solutions. This high-tech environment will be the homebase for some of the world’s best microphone specialists, enabling them to create even better microphones and provide more education to the pr
USA - The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the organisation that oversees Bluetooth technology, has announced the completion of Bluetooth Networked Lighting Control (NLC), the first full-stack standard for wireless lighting control. By offering standardisation from the radio through the device layer, Bluetooth NLC ‘enables true multi-vendor interoperability and mass adoption of wireless lighting control’. "The establishment of globally available wireless standards has always been a key landmark in enabling connected device ecosystems to achieve their full promise. Wireless lighting control is no different," said Andrew Zignani, senior research director at ABI Research. "Bluetooth NLC expands the supplier opportunity by instilling buyer confidence and peace of mind, increasing the likelihood of adoption, and unleashing the lighting control market's total potential.
Czech Republic - Named after Uffo Horn, an important native of Trutnov who greatly influenced the culture and politics in the region in 19th century, the Social and Cultural Centre of the Trutnov region has been serving the community since the end of 2010. This multifunctional facility provides a cultural space for a variety of events including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions, conventions and balls. One of the centre's standout offerings is the vibrant and diverse programme of international festival, Cirk-UFF, which takes place at the turn of May and June each year. Given the diverse range of performances hosted at the venue, it was essential to maintain a flexible layout and adhere to touring standards to ensure seamless transitions between events. DiGiCo's Czech distributor, Pro Music, supplied and installed the specialist audio setup, which includes SD12 and
India - In late March, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opened its doors in Mumbai, ushering in a new era of creativity in a city renowned for its Bollywood influence. This multidisciplinary arts centre boasts a 2,000-seat theatre, two intimate performance spaces and a four-storey Art House. To mark its grand opening, a three-day celebration blended musicals and international art exhibitions, including India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination. This exhibition celebrated the global influence of Indian design on fashion, with the help of 128 Genelec 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers. Overseeing the project was Mumbai-based technology and acoustic consultancy firm, Munro. Their mission was to craft a soothing auditory landscape without compromising audio quality, while ensuring the seamless integration of the l
Venezuela - A new cigar bar and restaurant in the Venezuelan capital Caracas aims to deliver a premium experience to discerning guests, from the moment they walk through the door. The Robusto Bar combines high-end dining and cocktails with an extensive selection of cigars in a luxuriously appointed venue that includes a lounge, humidor and VIP room. Central to creating a sophisticated ambience is a Nexo ID Series sound system installed and calibrated by local distributor Sun Music Pro, who were also involved in the acoustic treatment of the spaces. “The client needed a high-quality audio system, as the premise was to create a premium experience in every way, starting with its selection of cigars, cocktails and dishes, through to the environment created by sound, architecture, furniture and lighting,” says Sun Music Pro commercial manager Valeska Grüber. “T
Philippines - The Adam Hall Group continues to expand its international distribution network. With immediate effect, Joint Venture Audio Visual and Lighting will take over the exclusive distribution of Adam Hall Group's own brands LD Systems, Cameo, Gravity and Palmer in the Philippines. Joint Venture Audio Visual is a corporate merger of several companies, including full-service provider Systech Lighting and Controls. Under the umbrella of Joint Venture, Systech will represent the AVL brands of the Adam Hall Group in the Philippine market. "We are pleased to add one of the largest event technology manufacturers in the world to our distribution portfolio with the solutions of Adam Hall Group," explains Oliver C. Yulo, president Joint Venture Audio Visual Lighting. "Since the end of the COVID pandemic, the APAC region has been one of the fastest growing markets ever. T
UK - Luxury Icelandic winter clothing brand 66°North, has unveiled its UK flagship store incorporating an immersive sound experience. Teaming up with Marquee AV, and distributor Audiologic, 66°North has successfully recreated the atmospheric soundscapes of its Reykjavik store for UK shoppers. 66°North, a brand with its heritage dating back to 1926, established itself as a manufacturer of protective outerwear for fishermen and those braving the harsh elements of the North Atlantic. Today, the brand continues to make functional clothing without compromising on comfort, for a range of activities. The Regent Street store, located in the heart of London, represents 66°North's first venture outside Iceland and Denmark, making it a significant milestone for the brand. Genelec got in touch with their UK distributor Audiologic after 66°North was delighted with the Ge
USA - Soundworks of Virginia returned to the familiar 100-acre Maymont Park site in Richmond, VA to help stage the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival, an event for which they have provided sound reinforcement since 2017. Working for promoter JMI (Johnson Marketing Inc) they fielded their flagship Martin Audio WPL optimised line array on the main stage, deploying hangs of 12 WPL elements on each wing. These were underpinned by 12 SXH218 in cardioid formation - a move largely designed to prevent the stage from vibrating - with a delay tower of eight smaller WPS elements, set around 275ft back and with four WPS deployed along the stage lip as front-fills. Monitors comprised four WPS loudspeakers atop a pair of SXC118 subs, mounted both stage left and right for sidefills, plus 12 of Soundworks’ own SW2 proprietary wedges. Soundworks also equipped the second stage wit
UK - Rycote Windshields reports the resounding success of its recent ‘Meet the Team Event Day’. The event, held at Rycote’s new manufacturing facility in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offered a hands-on experience that showcased the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and its close-knit partnership with its global network of dealers and on-location sound engineers. The event, which took place on 5 September 2023, brought together valued partners, dealers, and sound engineers, for a day filled with engaging activities and insights. The highlight of the event was a comprehensive factory tour that allowed attendees to witness first-hand the meticulous craftsmanship and technology that goes into every Rycote product. They in fact, got to experience production for themselves as they were invited to get hands on, on the production line and create their very own Softie.
UK - Depeche Mode’s sound has been a huge part of the electronic rock landscape since it hit the airwaves in the 1980s, and today, fans continue to amass in their hundreds of thousands to hear them perform. Led by production manager Tony Gittins and touring in support of their 15th studio album of the same name, band members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore bring Memento Mori to the live stage for another world-class feat. With help from Britannia Row productions account executive, Dave Compton, the touring audio team has specified a plethora of high-end tools including an L-Acoustics K Series PA system, and SSL and Avid control surfaces. Systems engineer Terence Hulkes comments: “Depeche Mode are a long-standing client of Brit Row’s, and as their crew, we aim to continue delivering (and improving upon) the standard of equipment and packaging that they hav
The Netherlands - At IBC, Sennheiser will preview the MKH 8030 RF condenser microphone with figure-of-eight pick-up pattern. The MKH 8030 will not only unlock M-S, double M-S, and Blumlein stereo recording options, but will also be a great choice wherever the highest attenuation of neighbouring sound sources is required - be it a PA system whose sound needs to be eliminated or an adjacent instrument that must not be picked up. The sound signature of the MKH 8030 has been carefully engineered to blend in harmoniously with the sound of the existing MKH 8000 series microphones. “We are thrilled to be previewing the MKH 8030, a microphone that the MKH user community has been expecting for quite a few years,” shares Kai Lange, product manager professional, wire-bound. “The extremely compact 8030 is ideal for field recording, sports and general broadcasting, theatres,
UK - Cornflake recently undertook an installation project for Maddux Creative X Fromental at the WOW!house design centre located in Chelsea Harbour, a collaboration of designers, craftspeople and specialist suppliers including Altfield, Charles Burnand, ecoScent, George Smith, Illuminationworks, K-array, Lutron, Optelma, Pierre Frey, Tom Faulkner, The Royal School of Needlework, and 2B Heard, who between them have created the 3am Room. The sonic focus of this project was the integration of K-array's miniature Lyzard loudspeakers, which ‘brought a new dimension of audio excellence and a relaxing sonic backdrop to the outstanding exhibit’. “We had been speaking with Maddux for some time and had been looking for a project to work together on for a while,” commented Cornflake design director Ben Rodrick. “This was a really good opportunity to showcase the benefit
